Members of the Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Charles Leuthard Post 5039 will be visiting business places with Buddy Poppies the week of May 2-7. We will be in Willie’s SuperValu Thursday thru Saturday. VFW by-laws require that the proceeds from donations for Buddy Poppies must be used to benefit dis-abled and needy veterans and the widows and orphans of deceased veterans.

Thanks to last year’s donation, our local Auxiliary has do-nated this past year to Veterans homes and hospitals in Fergus Falls, St. Cloud and outpatient clinics at Montevideo and Alex-andria, VA home, Fisher House, Eagle’s Healing Nest at Sauk Centre, and Prodigal House in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and VA Medical Center in Fargo, North Dakota. With funds from Buddy Poppies, have purchased sewing needs for our sewers who last year sewed 104 bed throws, tote bags, laundry bags, neck pillows for our local veterans at West Wind Village, St. Cloud Medical Center, and Eagle’s Healing Nest. Funds were also used for Veterans and family Support Programs, Armed Forces Center at the Airport, etc. The VFW National Home at Eaton Rapids, MI, receives money from Buddy Poppy donations. The National Home is for military families in need of living quarters and financial help, Minnesota has a house at National Home.

Every step in the production and sale of the Buddy Poppy serves a useful purpose. The poppies are assembled by needy and disabled veterans at VA hospitals who are paid for their work; the income to the State and National organizations help provide needed services to disabled veterans, their widows and orphans; the income to the Auxiliary is used entirely for aid to needy veterans and families. The wearing of the Poppy on Memorial Day symbolizes the nation’s grief for its departed heroes, and is a flower that can be worn all the time. 

You have been a very gener-ous Community in the past and we do appreciate it very much. When our Buddy Poppy Vol-unteers visit you, we hope you will continue with that great support. 

Wear your poppy proudly! It is a symbol of the memory of those who have given their lives for our country and a symbol of concern and compassion for those who are disabled. Never forget our veterans.

Jean Kopacek, President

Janet Malo and Helen Kill, Chairmen of Buddy Poppy Program

Auxiliary to Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5039

Morris, MN